ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on contemporary migration flows from North Macedonia and particularly examines the work and travel cultural exchange programme for students in the USA. Approximately a century after the beginning of early Macedonian labour migration known as “pechalbarstvo”, migrant workers continue to be attracted by overseas countries, especially the USA. The difference is that today within this programme, the process of temporary labour migration is organized and supported by the American government, while in the past, it was an individual migration project. Besides allowing students to work in the USA during their summer break, their programme offers them the possibility to travel for an additional month around the country, thus enabling them to experience the American lifestyle, culture, and customs. In addition to the Work and Travel USA programme, the chapter will present the results of qualitative research focused on Macedonian students, their personal experience during the work and travel programme, and how it affected them.
